(AN: This particular short story is about Sango being a siren. Sirens were mythical creatures that had the voices and looks of a goddess. They're half human, half deity. If they have an evil bone in their body, their song will lead you to death. So, using that whole mythology thing, welcome to one shot number three. )

Love & Hate: The Collection

Ready 4 Love

I glanced somewhat nervous at the growing crowd before me. I never even thought there were this many people inside Keade's village. I was confident, because I knew once I started singing, their human hearts would melt, and feel the song. I thought it was even entertaining that I had stopped calling myself one. A siren, is, part human, part divine being, some had more qualities of one parent or another. I carried more of my mother's siren heritage than my father's enchanting background. I knew that I was supposedly "above" the human race, and that kept me from feeling completely embarrassed and scared while sitting quietly on the stage.

I continued to watch the quickly filling room with interest. I was supposed to singing in honor of the goddess of love, and today was Lover's Day. Many people were here with their significant other, and many of the youth sat towards the front, hoping that the great goddess would smile down at the offering of my song and grant them love. That was what I was hoping for. That was the whole goal of the song I had written to her. And then Miroku came in. With his trademark lecherous grin, and face covered in slap marks, I blushed deeply when thinking why he got them. A lech for life, Miroku was mostly good. That was the reason I liked him.

I had to get into siren mode. If I didn't, then the song wouldn't work. As usual, everyone's aura flared into view, and the bright swirls of silver and black spun like a spider's web. Also, the norm, everyone's heartbeat slowed, and started to pump in sync. Closing my eyes, I felt the tie to every siren ever created, dead or alive. It was a comforting feeling, being part of a never ending cycle.

But as Keade prepared the crowd with a riveting speech, I felt that tug of loneliness again. It was the day of the lovers. Celebrating the many pairs of husband and wives, courtier and courted, lover and loved. Here I was, alone. So very alone.

With the shikon completed, everybody alive and well, and spirits high, Kagome and Inuyasha forgot their differences. When they finally admitted true feelings for each other, it was remarkably easier to travel with them fighting, then with them in love. It left both myself and the houshi together. That all ties into the use of the shikon. True to her word, Kagome gave Inuyasha the completed jewel, and begged him to selflessly wish. So he asked that every pure heart had one wish to be fulfilled. His was to be with Kagome, her to be with him. Miroku's was for all those whom died because of the shikon, to get a chance to redeem themselves, and make it into heaven if they missed. I haven't made mine, neither has Shippou. Kelilya asked for a mate, and now my neko-bi was missing.

Love was everywhere. In the hearts, and the minds of everyone present. I spotted Inuyasha and Kagome cuddled up in one of the farther corners of the room. As they spent more time together, they spent less with their friends.

"Our siren had decided to sing ye a song in honor of the day of love. Let her touch ye heart." Keade finished. Light applause followed as the kindly old women stepped from the stage and onto the floor with everyone else. Now by myself on the stage, I realized all eyes were on me. I would need something extra special to capture the hearts of everyone in the room, and I had planned one.

"Close your eyes." I coaxed, my own closed tightly. When I peeked mine open, I saw they'd done it, also holding onto their significant other.

I am ready for love.
Why are you hiding, from me.
I'd quickly give my freedom,
to be held in your captivity.

I then focused most of my energy on connecting my heart with everyone else's. It was a hard task, slowing one's heart down to match those of a crowd. But in a few seconds, it was done, and I pushed my own thoughts, hopes, wishes, and dreams into their minds, playing a movie that would soon be forgotten. They saw themselves with the one's they loved, while I saw Miroku hugging me in an intimate embrace, and then leave. Leave after another women. Tears sparked into my eyes. It was hard to keep the pain out my voice.

I am ready for love.
All of the joy and the pain.
And all the time that it takes,
just to stay in your, good grace.

More pictures of Miroku entered my soul and song. Pictures of us during the quest for the jewel shards, as well as some during the few weeks after Naraku's defeat. The more I thought, the sweeter my song became. The sweeter the song, the greater my power. So great, I sent my 'movie' into the minds of all those who listened. Their own sweet moments and memories were replaced by mine. I felt a heavy burden lift, I felt the hearts break in sympathy for me, and I had just started.

I almost chocked on my words and tears when the picture of Miroku kissing me played. I smiled sadly, falling gracefully to my knees and burying my face into my hands without breaking my song.

Lately I've been thinking,
maybe you're not ready for me.
Maybe you think I need to learn maturity.
They say watch what you ask for,
because you might receive.
But if you ask me tomorrow..

More pictures. More tears. It was harder then every to hold my composure. Never had I given much thought to how deep my feelings for Miroku were. But I realized like the roots of the Sacred Oak Tree, they were deep, and would last for hundreds of years. I tried to push away my dreams for children and a normal life, ignoring the crowd's sympathy towards me.

I am ready for love!
Would you please lend me your ears?
I promise I won't complain.
I just need you to acknowledge I am here.

I opened my eyes, allowing the tears to flow freely now. Miroku's eyes were open also, and he was staring at me. I locked eyes with him, and refused to let his go. I reached my hand out to him.

If you'd give me half a chance I'd, prove this to you.
I will be patient, kind, faithful and true.
To a man who loves music,
a man who loves art.
He respects the spirit realm,
and speaks with his heart.

I made sure to entwine the bit about his religion to make sure he knew, without a doubt it was to him. There was no other whom would, could ever capture my heart. I didn't love him quite yet, but I am willing to let him make me do so. I am ready.

I am ready for love.
If you'll take me in your hand.
I will learn what you teach.
And do the best that I can.

I stopped and stood. After a second, everybody jumped up in wild applause. I smiled slowly, bowing towards the three main sections of the room. I met each amazed pair of eyes, and love struck gaze with no fear. For they now knew my secret desire. But as my eyes scanned the crowd, I noticed that Miroku had slipped out. I felt my heart drop, because his reaction was the only one I really cared about. I searched for him, and then finally his spirit. I sent him the rest of my song, heart to heart.

I am ready for love.
Here with the offering of.
My voice, my eyes, my soul, my mind.
Tell me what is enough.
To prove I am ready, for love.

It was now up to him to do the rest.

End

(A/N: These are helping to relieve some of the writer's block I'm experiencing. For at least a few more days, all stories are put on hold. I'm expecting some free time maybe on Friday, when I get back from school. Yea......school. Also, if anyone wants to see a special couple up here, I don't even care how radical, I'm up to the challenge. Practice makes perfect right? So, that's that.)